UNC still pushing USC commitment

By Phil Kornblut

USC commitment DB Pharoh Cooper of Havelock, NC played free safety in the Offense-Defense Game in Houston Monday. "I made about 4-5 tackles and had a big hit in the middle," he said. Cooper said he also returned a punt, which he lost on a fumble. Cooper was outstanding the Shrine Bowl and was North Carolina's Offensive MVP. He has been committed to USC May but North Carolina continues to work him and will meet with him Friday at his school. "They are trying to get me to flip," Cooper said. "I'm just taking it in. I'm solid to the Gamecocks." Cooper said the only official visit he plans to make is to USC January 19th. Steve Spurrier has been to his school but has not made his in home visit. He hears regularly from USC recruiter Brad Lawing. The Gamecocks have Cooper in line for a job in the secondary, but he's also eying the return game. "If Ace (Sanders) leaves, I will have a quick shot in the punt return game," Cooper said.

USC head coach Frank Martin and assistant Matt Figger flew to California Monday for an in home visit and dinner with 7-0 center target Conor Clifford of Saddleback JC, CA according to Clifford's coach. 'I imagine they set up a visit with him," coach Andy Ground said. Ground did not know the date for the official visit but said he would be talking...

OL Clark Yarbrough (6-6 273) of Woodberry Forest, VA is one of the nation's most sought after offensive linemen, and as he comes down the stretch of his recruiting activities, Clemson and USC are both major players according to his coach. Yarbrough visited both schools earlier this month and both figure to be on his list when he makes his...

OL Branton Autry (6-4 320) of Coffeyville JC, KS is getting a lot of interest from USC these days and when he gets around to deciding on official visits he will take this summer and fall, he's confident the Gamecocks will get one.

Laurens DB Thomas Jones (6-3 200) is gaining momentum in recruiting circles. He recently was offered by North Carolina and Saturday he picked up an offer from USC while attending a junior day. He also has offers from Duke, Charlotte and Miami of Ohio and Clemson is showing some interest. He plans to go to Clemson for the spring game April 11th.

6-4 Jamall Gregory of Washington, DC made an official visit to USC over the weekend with his mother and he's now ready to make his college decision. Gregory said he plans to decide between the Gamecocks and Kansas State between now and Wednesday. He has not yet visited Kansas State.